Has running ever been this trendy? We think not. With thousands of people pounding the pavement every week, there’s never been a better time to join the stampede. Regular runner or not, you don’t need to be a ‘runner’ to get involved. Here’s to making running fun, what are you waiting for?
Whether you’re a beach bum or river enthusiast, if you’re in your running era, here are Perth’s best run clubs to get you on your feet and moving.
Rise + Run — Cottesloe
Rise + Run knows exactly what you need for a feel good Friday. Since April 2023, the club has been hitting the beachside paths of Cottesloe in the name of endorphins and exercise. Rise + Run is an opportunity for individuals to set their own pace and be the best version of themselves. Meeting at 6:00 am, every Friday morning at Il Lido in Cottesloe, you can run or walk to your heart’s content. In layman’s terms, that’s 40 minutes at your own pace, and what’s better, you can bring your furry friend for the ride. While you’re at it, hang around for a post-run swim, coffee and chats.
Perth Frontrunners — West Perth
In their own words, Perth Frontrunners is for “strollers, rollers, runners and crap joggers”. Welcoming all sexualities, genders, ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels, the friendly bunch is Perth’s LGBTQA+ social running and walking club. They meet at 8:00 am, every Saturday morning at Kings Park hotspot, Zamia Cafe for a 5 kilometre run, or 3 kilometre stroll, roll or jog. Pencil in coffee and chats for afterwards, you’ll want to stick around and get to know the community.
The Early Ones
Forget the Sunday scaries, The Early Ones are all about starting Sunday right with a run along Perth’s spectacular coastline. The club has transformed from humble beginnings as just a few friends running together, and has been growing ever since. It’s all about bringing people together, while moving your body. Here, all ages and skill levels are welcome so you can wrap up your weekend on a high. Every run, jog or walk is a total of 40 minutes at your own pace. All you need to do is keep an eye on The Early Ones Instagram account for the dates, times and locations of the next run, and just show up.
Perth Run Collective — Subiaco, Trigg
Perth has everyone well and truly in their running era right now, and the Perth Run Collective has the perfect antidote. The social running movement offers a rare afternoon Track Tuesdays session in Subiaco, as well as Social Sundays for the early birds. Kicking off at 7:30 am from Clarko Reserve in Trigg, opt for the six or eight kilometre pace group. Runners of all abilities are welcome, and post-run coffees and ocean plunges are encouraged.
The 440 — Cottesloe
Run or walk, dip and sip. Are Saturday mornings the new Friday nights? The 440 is a run club where you don’t even have to run, and you can even run late. For unconventional fun, and silly vibes, the group meets every Saturday at 5:55 am, in front of Cottesloe’s Indigo Oscar. After cruising the coast, stay for an ocean dip and coffee catch-up. We’re sure you won’t regret it.
Freo Running Club — Fremantle
Whether you’re doing it for mental health, physical health or community, for a mid-week run that ends with a post-run beer, hit the pavement with Freo Running Club. Supported by Running With Thieves, the run group end their sessions with an ice-cold, tap-poured brew — a recovery drink of the best kind. Meeting at the South Fremantle brewery, every Wednesday at 6:00 pm, the crew get their hearts pumping before rewarding themselves with a cheeky beverage. Not a bad way to spend Hump Day if you ask us.
If you’re keen for more nature-infused fitness, here are the 30 best hikes and walking trails in Perth.
HBF Run for a Reason
Set to kick off on Sunday, May 19th, Perth’s biggest annual fitness fundraising challenge will raise much-needed funds for local charities.
Put all your running club practice towards helping the WA community — hit the street with three distances to choose from — CommBank 4km, Specsavers 12km, or the Brooks Half Marathon. Each track is more than just a race, jam-packed with course entertainment to keep you motivated every step of the way.
Avoid runner’s regret, lace up your sneakers and enter today.
